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MA Reconsiders Slots Question

Slot machines are back up for discussion in the Bay State. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is a supporter of bringing legalized gambling into the state, and met with House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo this week during their first tête-à-tête since DeLeo was appointed to his station at the end of last month. That slots came up in this very first discussion is a strong indication of Patrick’s commitment to bringing what he considers to be a strong and viable source of new revenues to his state, which, like so many across the U.S., is facing severe budget deficits and struggling for solutions as to how to create new funds.

An aide who sat in on the meeting divulged that discussing gambling took up “only a few minutes” of the overall meeting, but that both men were very enthusiastic on the topic of extended gambling and what it could mean for Massachusetts. DeLeo said that he was “not so sure” that a definitive slot machine bill could pass the Legislature by May, but that he was sure that “there is going to be debate in the House relative to gaming legislation.” Also in attendance was Senate President Therese Murray, who has expressed her support of expanded gambling in the past, but would not comment on the matter. Could this be an encouraging sign of bipartisan support for slots machines in Massachusetts?

Last year, Patrick put forth a bid to license three slot machine casinos in Massachusetts, one that was summarily shot down by the House. Of course, that happened under the aegis of Salvatore F. DiMasi, DeLeo’s predecessor, who was nowhere near as amenable on the issue as the new Speaker.

Back to February 2009 Archive.